Area July 4 festivities run Thursday through weekend

Sunday

Itís the week of Independence Day, July 4, which this year falls on Thursday and includes activities that extend through the weekend.

Itís the week of Independence Day, July 4, which this year falls on Thursday and includes activities that extend through the weekend.

There are celebrations abounding in Craven and Pamlico counties, from Thursday through the weekend.

New Bern has its traditional affair on Thursday, while Oriental has a two-day event that has been long-going ó the Croaker Festival Friday and Saturday.

James City enters the lineup this year with its 150th anniversary festival Friday through Sunday.

Along the way, there are fireworks, scenic river tours, a Parrothead Party at the New Bern Farmers Market and a free movie at Union Point Park.

Here is a sampling of the weekís events:

New Bernís celebration begins at 3 p.m. Thursday at Lawson Creek Park, sponsored by the New Bern Parks and Recreation.

All of the activities are free.

Along with plenty of activities for children, Ratio Theatre will present a 5 p.m. reading of the Declaration of Independence, music by the 2d Marine Aircraft Wing Band at 6:30 p.m. and a fireworks show over the Trent River to end the evening.

Coolers, chairs and blankets are welcome, but leave pets at home. Also, no alcohol, glass containers, weapons or fireworks are allowed. Bicycle riders are welcome, but walk the bike into the park.

***

There is a Fireworks Cruise aboard the M/V Lookout Lady from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. from the New Bern Grand Marina, Dock F.

It includes a narrated cruise on the Neuse and Trent rivers and a waterfront view of the city fireworks show.

The cost is $25 for adults and $20 for children age 6 and under. Call 504-2628.

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Orientalís annual celebration jewel is Croakerfest, which is Friday and Saturday.

Friday activities include music by the Pamlico Community Band and the Pamlico Chorale.

Highlights of the opening afternoon are the Miss Croaker Festival on the South Avenue waterfront.

A baking contest is always a treat at the same time.

The annual parade is at 10 a.m. Saturday on Broad and Hodges streets. Vendors around Lou Mac Park and music for dancing in the evenings are also featured.

The Croaker Regatta is a sailorís event with public viewing. Fireworks in the evening on Saturday cap off the weekend festivities.

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There is a Parrothead Party planned Friday night at the New Bern Farmers Market on South Front Street in New Bern.

The gates open at 6:30 p.m., and the event continues until 10 p.m.

It features Parrot Party, a Jimmy Buffett cover band. There will also be a Frozen Concoction Machine along with the dancing.

It is all sponsored by the New Bern Area Chamber of Commerce.

Advance tickets are $8 at the New Bern Chamber of Commerce and Mitchell Hardware. Admission at the gate is $10. Call 637-3111.

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Also on Friday evening, there is a Movie at the Park, sponsored by Two Rivers Church of New Bern and the New Bern Parks and Recreation Department.

It begins at 8:30 p.m. and lasts two hours. It is free to the public.

For information on the movie, call 633-2830.

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The James City 150th Anniversary Celebration is Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the James City Community Center on Plum Street.

The public is invited, with opening ceremonies at 6 p.m. Friday at Reform Shiloh M.B. Church at 406 Plum St. Wristbands will be distributed during registration, and attendees must have a wristband to participate in activities.

A cookout at the James City Community Center will follow from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Friday with a music DJ and street dance beginning at 8 p.m. The activities continue until midnight.

The celebration on Saturday is from 9 a.m. to midnight and wraps up Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

Registration is from 1 to 6 p.m. Friday and is free, although a donation is appreciated.

On Saturday, there will be a parade at 9 a.m., lining up at the beach at the corner of James and Vail streets.

Activities including a waterslide for children, balloons, face painting, bingo, jump rope and hula hoop contests, horse shoe games, checkers, chess and card games, a duck hunt, a cake walk and other activities at the James City Community Center and Dixie Field.

Some of the activities include a family history display at Reform Shiloh Church Fellowship Hall and tours of the Slave Quarters.

A 4 p.m. dedication of the Improvements in the Village is scheduled, along with a gospel concert and an 8 p.m. street dance.

On Sunday, there is an 8:30 a.m. worship service under a tent near the church, with Minister Ira Credle and the music of the James City Community Choir.

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The Cedar Grove Cemetery Tours continue each Saturday at 4 p.m. at the Queen Street entrance. The tours are sponsored by the Craven Earl of Questers.

Preservation of Cedar Grove is the focus of the group, comprised of 20 women who reside in the Downtown Historic District.

Tickets are at the New Bern Historical Society or at the tour site. The cost is $10, with all proceeds going to preservation work at the cemetery, which to date totals more than $40,000.

Call 635-1374 for more information on the cemetery and about the Questers.

Charlie Hall can be reached at 252-635-5667 or Charlie.hall@newbernsj.com

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